The Australian Capital Territory has become the first
jurisdiction in Australia to raise the age of criminal
responsibility from 10 years of age to 14.
The move brings the age in line with international standards
recommended by the United Nations.
While the
ACT Legislative Assembly supported the motion, the legislation
is still being tweaked, to make considerations around medical
evidence on cognitive capacity of children over 14, and options to
shift the age or provide exemptions for more serious criminal
offences.
The legislation is, however, expected to be finalised shortly
and enacted by whichever parties form government in the ACT after
the October election.
